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finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
a gay man, intended to demean or express contempt
What is the origin of the term "fag" and how is it used?
"Fag" is an English slang term that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly in Britain and later in the U.S., as a derogatory label for a homosexual man. Its earlier meaning in British English, from the late 19th century, referred to a young boy performing menial tasks at a school ("fagging"), but the sexualized, insulting sense developed separately. The term conveys contempt, mockery, or hatred and has been widely used in homophobic speech, bullying, and slurs. It is highly offensive, vulgar, and contextually never neutral, though it sometimes appears in historical discussion or reclaimed in certain LGBTQ+ contexts, usually with ironic or subversive intent.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
work hard
act as a servant for older boys, in British public schools
